Rain runoff is a product of rain and can travel to rivers, storm drains and other watersheds. It picks up pollutants along the way. Poor water quality can be caused by soils, fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants. Many states and municipalities have passed legislation to address these problems. A variety of green infrastructure options are now becoming more popular in order to reduce flooding, filter runoff and improve erosion and sedimentation. Rain gardens are a solution to these issues.
What Is A Rain Garden?
Rain gardens are a type of rain garden that captures and infiltrates stormwater runoff. A shallow depression is filled with a mixture of topsoil and sand as well as compost. This basin is then filled with hardy native plants. Stormwater runoff is collected in the garden and is slowly released into the ground. To keep rainwater from entering the basin, berms are placed around its perimeter.
Rain gardens, unlike detention basins that hold back runoff and release it at the surface or retention basins which keep a permanent pool, are designed to dewater by infiltration and evapotranspiration.
Infiltration and detention tanks are usually larger and have more plant material. They also look more like a meadow than a garden. Rain gardens are usually smaller and more focused on aesthetics. They are designed to improve water quality and reduce runoff.
Rain Garden Specials
Stormwater-Management
Rain gardens have the ability to absorb large amounts of water. This is one of their greatest advantages. These drainage systems are 30% more efficient than traditional grass, according to experts. This not only helps prevent flooding but also diverts pollutants to ensure a cleaner water supply.
Greenbar excavation recently used rain gardens in a project to transform an uninspiring downtown Lancaster intersection into an attractive and sustainable environment. The Plum and Walnut Streets corners are surrounded by native plants. A porous patio filters 1.7 million gallons each year of stormwater.
Creates A Memorable Space
Greenspaces have been proven to decrease stress, improve productivity, and even improve your health. Everybody can benefit from spending time outdoors, whether you are designing an office building, senior living facility or church.
A rain garden can be a great way to add green space to your project. Many native plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds as well as other wildlife.
But mosquitoes are one insect that a rain garden properly designed will not attract. Although mosquitoes love standing water and a rain garden that functions should not allow them to settle in, they will be happy with any water held.
Disadvantages Of Rain Gardens
Rain gardens and retention pools have very few drawbacks, provided they are properly planned and constructed.
Rain garden drainage problems can cause flooding if it isn’t working properly. Rainwater runoff can build up in the basin and cause flooding or backups. A poorly designed basin can lead to higher erosion rates.
Greenbar Excavation performs dual-ring infiltration tests in order to ensure that this does not happen. This ensures that you don’t end with large areas of saturated land. This will prevent you from having to deal with these problems down the line. Make sure that your excavating company has experience installing rain gardens and retention tanks. Take a look at some of the projects we have completed.
What Is The Cost Of A Rain Garden
The cost of a rain garden will vary depending on the location and your goals. A rain garden will cost you between $5-$40 per square foot.
A few factors can increase the price of a retention pond or rain garden. Price will be affected by the design or makeup of the garden and the choice of plants. It will be cheaper to choose simpler components. However, drainage and filtering will be less effective. The cost of aggregate, compost, and sand can rise.
Price will be affected by the location of your rain garden and the condition of the soil. Cost per square foot will rise due to soil remediation and removal of obstructions. Different materials come with different costs, depending on the location of your project. Sand is one item that may be more expensive. Sand can be significantly cheaper if your project is close to the coast than sand if you live farther inland.
The size of the rain garden is another factor. The cost of a rain garden is determined by its depth. The bigger the rain garden, the more labor required to install it and the more materials needed to do so. All of these have obvious costs.
How To Get Started
Where Should A Garden Be Located
To determine the best location for your rain garden, it is a good idea to speak with a professional. This will help you to decide on the best location based on your specific goals and property. These guidelines can help you to get an idea of the best place for your rain garden.
Placement is important for any garden. It must take into account the type of plants and their specific sunlight requirements. This factor is essential for your garden to thrive and take root. It should be considered in the planning process.
Your garden should be placed in a way that it can collect runoff from your property. This is often downhill from impervious materials. Avoid areas with wellheads or septic fields that could lead to sinkholes.
Greenbar Excavation has been providing quality excavation services to central Oregon for over ten years. We understand the importance of knowing your project. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look any further, go with the company with your best interest in mind! We offer a multitude of services which include:
- Septic pumping
- Drainage Services
- Landscape prep
- Site grading
- Foundation excavation
- Concrete/ prep finish
- Utility trenching
- Driveways
- Septic tank replacement
- Complete septic system replacement
Call us today with any questions about rain gardens and how they help yard drainage and check out our 5-star reviews!